Hose splicing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A portable, self-contained apparatus for use in repairing and splicing flexible hoses such as cord reinforced hoses employed in irrigation systems with the apparatus including an inflatable member, a compressed air tank and control valves for inflating and deflating the inflatable member with all of these components being disposed interiorly of the hose when repairing or splicing the same with the control valves being operable exteriorly of the hose by deflecting a portion of the periphery of the hose for manipulating the control valves. The apparatus also includes a metallic body that forms a core for an electromagnet with the metallic body being disposed interiorly of the hose and connected to the compressed air tank and the winding of the electromagnet being disposed exteriorly of the hose in encircling relation thereto whereby the apparatus may be moved relative to the hose while disposed in the interior thereof to facilitate proper orientation of the apparatus in the hose during the repairing and splicing operation.

United States Patent 1191 Lacey HOSE SPLICING APPARATUS [76] Inventor:Edward H. Lacey, P.O. Box 796,

Trent, S. Dak. 57065 [22] Filed: Mar. 1, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 230,635

52 US. Cl. 138/97, 138/155 [58] Field of Search 138/97, 98, 99, 155;220/245; 166/187 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,180,7144/1916 Hall 138/97 2,843,154 7/1958 Hosking 220/245 PrimaryExaminer-James J. Gill Assistant ExaminerAnthony V. Ciarlante Attorney,Agent, or FirmClarence A. OBrien; Harvey B. Jacobson [57] ABSTRACT Aportable, self-contained apparatus for use in repair- Mar. 12, 1974 ingand splicing flexible hoses such as cord reinforced hoses employed inirrigation systems with the apparatus including an inflatable member, acompressed air tank and control valves for inflating and deflating theinflatable member with all of these components being disposed interiorlyof the hose when repairing or splicing the same with the control valvesbeing operable exteriorly of the hose by deflecting a portion of theperiphery of the hose for manipulating the control valves.

The apparatus also includes a metallic body that forms a core for anelectromagnet with the metallic body being disposed interiorly of thehose and connected to the compressed air tank and the winding of theelectromagnet being disposed exteriorly of the hose in encirclingrelation thereto whereby the apparatus may be moved relative to the hosewhile disposed in the interior thereof to facilitate proper orientationof the apparatus in the hose during the repairing and splicingoperation.

10 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures 1 HOSE SPLICING APPARATUS CROSS REFERENCETO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application discloses improvements in theapparatus disclosed in my copending application Ser. No. 88,420 filedNov. 10, 1970 now U.S. Pat. No. 3,666,586, issued May 30, 1972 which isa continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 874 filed Jan. 6, I970, nowabandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The presentinvention generally relates to an apparatus for use in repairing orsplicing damaged mobile pipe or hose used in the irrigation of fieldsand more particularly includes an internally disposed, inflatable andexpandable member that is self-contained and movable within the hose.

2. Description of the Prior Art In certain types of irrigationapparatuses, relatively long flexible hoses are employed with the hoseshaving a relatively large diameter. Such hoses have considerable tensionimparted thereto during the irrigation procedure and it frequentlybecomes necessary to repair or splice a damaged hose. Due to theinternal pressures encountered and the tension forces imparted to thehose, it has been found necessary to utilize an internal device forapplying internal pressure to the inner periphery of the hose in orderto cure the repair or splicing materials whether the repair or splicingis done by a vulcanizing process or a chemical method such as by using aplastic putty type material. In order for the repairing or splicingprocess to be properly conducted, the inner periphery of the walls ofthe hose must be retained outwardly against a steam chest surroundingthe hose in the vulcanizing method or against a sleeve or rigid tube inthe chemical process so that the repair material would be undercompression and cure into a solid, non-porous mass so that the repairmakes the hose continuous and serviceable with the repair or splicematerial retaining substantially the same degree of flexibility as theoriginal hose and also maintaining the strength characteristics of theremainder of the hose which is accomplished by connecting the cordreinforcement in the hose by utilizing non-slip knots for securing thecord reinforcement hoses together as disclosed in my copendingapplication Ser. No. 88,420 filed Nov. 10, l970-for Cord Reinforced HoseSplicing Method.

While previously known methods such as that disclosed in my copendingapplication are satisfactory, the manner in which the inflatable memberis disposed in the hose, inflated and deflated and the manner oftransport of the device rendered the apparatus disclosed thereinsomewhat time-consuming.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is toprovide a portable, self-contained hose splicing apparatus in which theinflatable, expandable device is connected to a compressed air tankwhich is disposed interiorly of the hose along with the inflatabledevice with control valves for inflating and deflating the device alsobeing disposed interiorly of the hose with lateral deflection of thehose enabling manual manipulation of the control valves.

Another object of the invention is to provide a hose splicing apparatusin which a metallic body is connected with the inflatable device,preferably as an extension to the compressed air tank, which forms acore for an electromagnet that is externally received on the hose sothat relative movement between the hose and electromagnet will causecorresponding relative movement between the hose and the apparatusdisposed interiorly of the hose so that the apparatus and electromagnetcan remain stationaryv while the hose is pulled therethrough or the hosecan remain stationary while the apparatus and electromagnet are movedlongitudinally thereon thereby enabling the apparatus to be insertedinto the hose from one end thereof and moved to a point where repair isnecessary or enabling severed ends of the hose to be spliced and thesplicing apparatus then moved longitudinally in relation to the hose outof one end thereof which is a significant feature when considering thatthe hose may be several hundred feet in length and the repair or splicemay be somewhere near the center thereof.

A further object of the invention is to provide a hose splicingapparatus in which the inflatable, expandable member is constructed in amanner to enable easy disassembly and assembly thereof to facilitatereplacement of the flexible, tubular resilient member which is actuallyexpanded against the inner periphery of the hose to enable replacementof this component of the apparatus when necessary.

Still another feature of the present invention is to provide a hosesplicing apparatus which is capable of use in the field as well as inthe shop or in the factory where imperfections, weak spots or ruptureswhich occur during the manufacturing procedure can be repaired. Theportability of the device enables it to be easily transported to thesite of the hose rupture for repair of the hose without necessitatingremoval of the hose from the field and transporting it to a shop or thelike.

These together with other objects and advantages which will becomesubsequently apparent reside in the details of construction andoperation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, whereinlike numerals refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of thehose splicing apparatus of the present invention with portions of thehose being broken away.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portion of the apparatus which isdisposed interiorly of the hose.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal, sectional view taken substantially upon aplane passing along section line 33, on an enlarged scale, illustratingthe specific structural details of the inflatable member.

FIG. 4 is a transverse, sectional view taken substantially upon a planepassing along section 4-4 of FIG. 3 illustrating further structuraldetails of the expandable member.

FIG. 5 is a fragmental sectional view illustrating the rollerconstruction incorporated into the metal body forming an extension ofthe compressed air tank.

FIG. 6 is a fragmental sectional view of the hose with the apparatusinserted therein illustrating the manner in which the control valves forthe inflatable member are manipulated by deflecting the hose.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now specifically tothe drawings, the hose splicing apparatus is generally designated by thenumeral and includes an inflatable and expandable device 12 that isinserted interiorly of a hose 14 to be repaired or spliced. Theapparatus 10 also includes a compressed air tank assembly 16 that isconnected with the inflatable and expandable member 12 and is alsodisposed interiorly of the hose 14. Disposed exteriorly of the hose 14is an electromagnet 18 that is disposed in encircling relation to thehose 14. The hose 14 is a conventional hose such as a cord reinforcedrubber or plastic hose employed in the irrigation of fields and suchhoses are normally provided in lengths of 660 feet. When the hose 14becomes ruptured or damaged, it is necessary to either repair theruptured area or cut out a damaged area and splice the adjacent ends ofthe hose. A rupture 20 is illustrated in the hose and depending upon thenature of the rupture or damage, ei-

ther a repair is made or the hose is severed with theruptured or damagedportion removed and the ends thereof joined together by splicing. Whereabutting ends of the hose are to be spliced, the method disclosed in mycopending application Ser. No. 88,420 may be employed for splicing thetwo ends of the hose together with the apparatus 10 being'employed toeffect curing of the splice or repair.

The external diameter of the inflatable device 12 and the compressed airtank assembly 16 are such that they are slightly smaller than theinternal diameter of the hose 14 for longitudinal movement therein withthe inflatable member 12 expanding into engagement with the interiorofthe hose during the repair or splicing operation.

The inflatable member includes an elongated centrally disposed rod 22having right-handed threads 24 on one end and left-handedthreads 26 onthe other. Threaded onto the right-handed threads 24 is an end member 28and threaded onto the left-handed threads 26 is an end member. 30 withtheend nenbers generally being in the form ofplates having a. pluralityof apertures 32 therethrough and having a conical or tapered peripheralsurface 34 that has the'smallest diameter disposed longitudinallyoutwardly from the center of the rod 22. Surrounding the end members 28and 30 is a cylindrical, flexible, tubular member 36 of resilientmaterial such as rubber or plastic with the ends thereof extendingbeyond the end members 28 and 30. A pair of cylindrical cup-shaped endmembers or caps 38 and 40 are received on the ends of the rod 22 withthe inner surfaces of the cup-shaped members 38 and 40 being beveled ortapered as at 42 generally at the same angle 'of taper as the peripheralsurface 34'of the end members 28 nd 30. The cup-shaped members 38 and40.co--

operate with the peripheral surface 34 to sealingly clamp the ends ofthe tubular member 36 therebetween. The portion of the tubular memberwhich is clamped and that portion which extends beyond the ta-.

pered end of the end caps is reinforced with a cord fabric or meshmaterial 44 so that the tubular member 36 is effectively reinforced toextend its life expectancy and to prevent blow-outs in this area.

The end cap 38 is provided with an inlet fitting 46 having a highpressure hose 48 connected thereto and the end cap 40 is provided with acombined pressure relief and discharge valve 50. which has a pivotallymounted actuating handle 52 connected thereto by which the valve 50 maybe manually, opened to discharge air from the inflatable member 12 withthe pressure relief valve assuring that pressure in'the inflatablemember will not exceed a predetermined maximum. The high pressure hose48 is communicated with an inlet valve 54 that includes a longitudinallyextending operating handle 56 to control inlet of air into theinflatable device 12 by deflecting the hose 14 as at 58 as illustratedin FIG. 6. The valve 54 is rigidly connected to a manifold block 60which has a transverse air passage therein which is communicated withthe valve 54. The block 60 is rigidly connected to the valve 54 on oneside and rigidly connected with a pipe nipple 62 on the other with thepipe nipple being rigidly connected to a cylindrical compressed air tank64 which forms part of the assembly 16. Also, the block 60 is rigidlyattached to a rigid connecting member 66 that has an internally threadedopposite end threaded onto the rod 22 as at 68. In addition, the block60 is provided with a snifter valve 70 communicating with the airpassage therein for enabling compressed air. to be supplied to the tank64 from a suitable high pressure source. The valve 70 is of conventionalconstruction similar to the type employed in inflating pneumatic innertubes and the like. Thus, the tank 64, block 60 and inflatable device 12are all rigidly interconnected and disposed in aligned relation.

Rigidly fixed to the end of the compressed air tank 64 is a cylindricalmetal body 72 which is substantially the same diameter as the tank 64and secured thereto in any suitable manner such as by welding 74 or thelike. The block 72 has a plurality of circumferentially spaced rollers76 adjacent each end thereof which have a periphery that projectsslightly beyond the surface of the body 72 so that the relatively heavymetal body 72 will be supported from the interior of the hose 14 by therollers .76 thus reducing the frictional drag of the assembly 16and theinflatable member 12 as it moves through the hose 14. The metal body 72forms a core for the electromagnet 18 which has a winding 78 thereon andend plates 80 interconnected by rods or tie bolts 82. The winding 78 isconnected with a source of electrical energy through .a suitable.conductor 84 so that when the winding 78 is energized, the magneticfield produced thereby will retain the metal body 72 which isconstructed of ferrous material in stationary relation with respect tothe electromagnetic field and stationary with respect to theelectromagnet 18. Thus, an elongated hose may be repaired or spliced byinitially placing the inflatable member and compressed air tank assemblyinside of the hose 14 with the hose 14 previously being inserted intothe electromagnet 18. The electromagnet is moved longitudinally out ofthe way while the repair or splice is being made after which theelectromagnet is moved to a position in alignment with the body 72 andenergized so that the hose and the electromagnet, inflatable device andair-tank assembly may move in relation to each other.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the rod 22 opposite from its attachment point68 is square or polygonal as at 86 for enabling the rod to be rotatedand a cup-shaped retaining nut 88 is screw threaded onto the left-handedthreads 26 and a suitable seal 90 is provided between the nut 88 and theend cap 40 and a similar seal is provid ed between the end cap 38 andthe adjacent end of the rigid member 66.

In assembly, the end members 28 and 30 are threaded inwardly toward eachother on the rod 22 and this assembly is then inserted into the tubularmember 36. The end caps 38 and 40 are then inserted over the end of thetubular member 36 and forced inwardly until the tapered surfaces 42frictionally grip the tubular member 36. This device is then positionedin a suitable jig which engages the outermost end surfaces of the endcaps 38 and 40 to prevent them from moving apart and then the rod 22 isrotated, by engaging a wrench with the end 86, in a direction to spreadthe end members 30 and 28 apart thus securely clamping and sealing thetubular member between the end caps and the end members. This assembledunit is then attached to the rigid member 66 by using a suitable wrenchto rotate the end 22 to effect the threaded connection 68. Then, the capnut 88 is threaded in a counterclockwise direction onto the threaded end26 to provide the assembled unit. The assembled unit is inserted intothe interior of the hose where the hose has been severed if a splice isto be made or inserted into the end of the hose if only a patch orrepair is to be made on a relatively small rupture such as therupture'20 illustrated in FIG. 1. The hose is also inserted through theelectromagnet and hereagain if the hose is severed for splicing, theelectromagnet would be placed on the hose adjacent the point ofsplicing. lf a small rupture is to be repaired, then the electromagnetalso would be placed over the end of the hose. When inserted over theend of the hose, the hose may be inserted completely on one reel withonly a small length of hose being unreeled for insertion of the assembly12 and 16 and positioning of the electromagnet thereover and then thefree end of the hose may be wound on another reel leaving only arelatively short linearly straight portion of the hose that is pulledthrough the electromagnet which is energized to retain the constantrelation between the electromagnet and the assemblies 12 and 16. Afterthe repaired area has been reached, the electromagnet may bede-energized and moved longitudinally out of the way until the repairhas been made and the curing operation with a steam chest such as thatdisclosed in my prior copending application and its parent applicationhas been used or if a chemical repair process is being used, theelectromagnet would be out of the way until the material forming thepatch or repair has been cured. After the repair or splice has beencompleted, the electromagnet is again moved into alignment with the body72 and the electromagnet energized after which the hose is then reeledback onto a single reel with the electromagnet and the assemblies 12 and16 being held stationary thus removing the splicing apparatus from thehose.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles ofthe invention. Further since numerous modifications and changes willreadily occur to those skilled in the 'art, it is not desired to limitthe invention to the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalentsmay be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A hose splicing apparatus comprising an expansible member forinsertion into an elongated hose in bridging relation to a repair areaor splice, means associated with said expansible member for expanding itinto engagement with the interior of the hose to exert pressure thereonduring the caring of the repair or splice, said expansible member andexpanding means being self contained and peripherally enclosed by thehose and remote from an open end thereof, said expansible member andexpanding means having dimensional characteristics enabling movementlongitudinally in the hose when the expansible member is unexpanded, andmeans disposed exteriorly of the hose for exerting a longitudinal forceon the expansible member and expanding means through the hose wallwithout direct engagement or contact therewith to enable controlledrelative longitudinal movement between the hose and the expansiblemember and expanding means so that the expansible member and expandingmeans may move longitudinally in relation to the hose at any point alongits length.

2. A hose splicing apparatus comprising an expansible member forinsertion into a hose in bridging relation to a repair area or splice,means associated with said expansible member for expanding it intoengagement with the interior of the hose to exert pressure thereonduring the curing of the repair or splice, said expansible member andexpanding means having dimensional characteristics enabling movementlongitudinally in the hose when the expansible member is unexpanded, andmeans disposed exteriorly of the hose for exerting a longitudinal forceon the expansible member and expanding means to enable relativelongitudinal movement between the hose and the expansible member andexpanding means so that the expansible member and expanding means maymove longitudinally in relation to the hose, said means exteriorly ofthe hose including magnetic means, said expansible member and expandingmeans interiorly of the hose including means subject to magneticattraction in order to provide a constant relationship of the magneticmeans exteriorly of the hose and the expansible member and expandingmeans interiorly of the hose for enabling relative movement of the hosethereto.

3. The structure asdefined in claim 2 wherein said magnetic meansincludes an electromagnet encircling the hose, said electromagnetincluding a coil winding, said means interiorly of the hose subject tomagnetic attraction including a metal body of ferrous material forming acore for the electromagnet that will be retained in constant relation tothe coil winding when the coil winding is energized.

4. The structure as defined in claim 3 wherein said means for expandingthe expansible member includes an air pressure tank connected to theexpansible member, a manually operable control valve connecting the tankwith the expansible member, and a-manually operable discharge valveoperatively connected to the expansible member, said valves beingoperable from externally of the hose by deflecting a portion of the hosein the area of the valve for manipulation thereof.

5. The structure as defined in claim 4 wherein said expansible memberincludes an elongated tubular resilient member, a pair of end capstelescoping over the ends of the tubular member, internal end members inthe tubular member and having tapering peripheral surfaces, meansinterconnecting the end members for moving them longitudinally inrelation to each other to rigidly secure the tubular member to the endcaps and to enable replacement of the tubular member.

6. The structure as defined in claim wherein said expansible member isrigidly connected to said air tank in longitudinal alignment therewith.

7. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said self-containedexpansible member and expanding means include control means forselectively expanding and contracting said expansible member, saidcontrol means being actuated from exteriorly of the hose without directengagement or contact therewith and without gaining access thereto froma remote open end of the hose, said control means being manuallyactuated with said hose being sufficiently flexible to enable manualactuation of the control means by peripherally collapsing the hose.

8. An apparatus for applying internal pressure to the peripheral wall ofan enclosed space comprising an expandible member movable in said spaceand expandible into engagement with the wall, said expandible memberincluding means selectively expanding said expandible member, and meansdisposed exteriorly of the wall to control the relative position of theexpandible member and wall when the expandible member is unexpanded,said means disposed exteriorly of the wall including magnetic means andsaid expandible means including means subject to magnetic forces wherebythe expandible member and magnetic means will maintain a predeterminedrelation on opposite sides of the wall.

9. The structure as defined in claim 8 wherein said means selectivelyexpanding said expandible member includes actuating means interiorly ofthe space and being actuatable from exteriorly of the space.

10. The structure as defined in claim 8 wherein said expandible memberincludes a flexible resilient pressure expansible tubular member, apressure tank connected with the tubular member, said means selectivelyexpanding said expandible member including control valve means, saidcontrol valve means being disposed within the space and operable fromexteriorly of the

1. A hose splicing apparatus comprising an expansible member forinsertion into an elongated hose in bridging relation to a repair areaor splice, means associated with said expansible member for expanding itinto engagement with the interior of the hose to exert pressure thereonduring the caring of the repair or splice, said expansible member andexpanding means being self contained and peripherally enclosed by thehose and remote from an open end thereof, said expansible member andexpanding means having dimensional characteristics enabling movementlongitudinally in the hose when the expansible member is unexpanded, andmeans disposed exteriorly of the hose for exerting a longitudinal forceon the expansible member and expanding means through the hose wallwithout direct engagement or contact therewith to enable controlledrelative longitudinal movement between the hose and the expansiblemember and expanding means so that the expansible member and expandingmeans may move longitudinally in relation to the hose at any point alongits length.
 2. A hose splicing apparatus comprising an expansible memberfor insertion into a hose in bridging relation to a repair area orsplice, means associated with said expansible member for expanding itinto engagement with the interior of the hose to exert pressure thereonduring the curing of the repair or splice, said expansible member andexpanding means having dimensional characteristics enabling movementlongitudinally in the hose when the expansible member is unexpanded, andmeans disposed exteriorly of the hose for exerting a longitudinal forceon the expansible member and expanding means to enable relativelongitudinal movement between the hose and the expansible member andexpanding means so that the expansible member and expanding means maymove longitudinally in Relation to the hose, said means exteriorly ofthe hose including magnetic means, said expansible member and expandingmeans interiorly of the hose including means subject to magneticattraction in order to provide a constant relationship of the magneticmeans exteriorly of the hose and the expansible member and expandingmeans interiorly of the hose for enabling relative movement of the hosethereto.
 3. The structure as defined in claim 2 wherein said magneticmeans includes an electromagnet encircling the hose, said electromagnetincluding a coil winding, said means interiorly of the hose subject tomagnetic attraction including a metal body of ferrous material forming acore for the electromagnet that will be retained in constant relation tothe coil winding when the coil winding is energized.
 4. The structure asdefined in claim 3 wherein said means for expanding the expansiblemember includes an air pressure tank connected to the expansible member,a manually operable control valve connecting the tank with theexpansible member, and a manually operable discharge valve operativelyconnected to the expansible member, said valves being operable fromexternally of the hose by deflecting a portion of the hose in the areaof the valve for manipulation thereof.
 5. The structure as defined inclaim 4 wherein said expansible member includes an elongated tubularresilient member, a pair of end caps telescoping over the ends of thetubular member, internal end members in the tubular member and havingtapering peripheral surfaces, means interconnecting the end members formoving them longitudinally in relation to each other to rigidly securethe tubular member to the end caps and to enable replacement of thetubular member.
 6. The structure as defined in claim 5 wherein saidexpansible member is rigidly connected to said air tank in longitudinalalignment therewith.
 7. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein saidself-contained expansible member and expanding means include controlmeans for selectively expanding and contracting said expansible member,said control means being actuated from exteriorly of the hose withoutdirect engagement or contact therewith and without gaining accessthereto from a remote open end of the hose, said control means beingmanually actuated with said hose being sufficiently flexible to enablemanual actuation of the control means by peripherally collapsing thehose.
 8. An apparatus for applying internal pressure to the peripheralwall of an enclosed space comprising an expandible member movable insaid space and expandible into engagement with the wall, said expandiblemember including means selectively expanding said expandible member, andmeans disposed exteriorly of the wall to control the relative positionof the expandible member and wall when the expandible member isunexpanded, said means disposed exteriorly of the wall includingmagnetic means and said expandible means including means subject tomagnetic forces whereby the expandible member and magnetic means willmaintain a predetermined relation on opposite sides of the wall.
 9. Thestructure as defined in claim 8 wherein said means selectively expandingsaid expandible member includes actuating means interiorly of the spaceand being actuatable from exteriorly of the space.
 10. The structure asdefined in claim 8 wherein said expandible member includes a flexibleresilient pressure expansible tubular member, a pressure tank connectedwith the tubular member, said means selectively expanding saidexpandible member including control valve means, said control valvemeans being disposed within the space and operable from exteriorly ofthe space.